Donald H. Fairchild

Donald H. Fairchild formerly of Trumansburg and Honeoye Falls passed away after a long illness on Friday, December 12, 2014 at the age of 82.

Don was born in Binghamton on December 20, 1931 a son of the late Clark and Alice (Preston) Fairchild. After graduating from Oxford Academy and Central School in 1949, Don joined the United States Army. He proudly served his country in Corozel, Panama as a Corporal until he was honorably discharged in 1953. That same year, Don joined the NY State Police. He served Troop C in Sidney and served the Ithaca area from 1953 to 1973, retiring as a BCI Investigator. After his retirement, Don went back to work as a Letter Carrier out of the Ithaca Post Office until retiring again in 1992.

Don was a member of the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, past member of the Trumansburg Golf Course, past member of the McDonough American Legion, past President of Trumansburg Rotary, served on the Juniper Manor Board, served on the Trumansburg Village Board, coached youth football and baseball, announced Trumansburg High School football games for 12 years, and authored the “Inside Trumansburg” column in the Free Press for 9 years.

Don enjoyed traveling with his family, visiting Yellowstone National Park several times as it was his favorite place to visit. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He could often be found early on Christmas mornings driving through the village to see who was up with young children opening Santa’s gifts.

Don is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Fairchild; three children, Dennis Fairchild of Interlaken, Donna Fairchild of Horseheads, and Mark (Lisa Reniff) Fairchild of Honeoye Falls; three grandchildren, Skylar (Jess Vassalotti) Fairchild and Acadia and Elizabeth Reniff Fairchild; sister, June (Jack) Hendrickson; brother, Richard (Ruth) Fairchild; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Hupman; and brother in law Roger Hupman.

The family will be present to receive friends from 11:30am to 1:00pm on Thursday, December 18, 2014 at the Trumansburg United Methodist Church, 80 East Main Street Trumansburg. A Funeral Service will immediately follow at 1:00pm at the church.

The family asks those who would like to make a contribution in Don’s memory to kindly consider McDonough Methodist Church, PO Box 45, McDonough, NY 13801.